Madam, - I felt mounting disquiet as I read Anne Marie Hourihane's piece on the Madeleine McCann disappearance (Weekend Review, August 11th).
It purported to analyse the media coverage to date but in fact it just adds to the rather snide tabloid hype, which treats the unfortunate parents as if they were showbiz stars - simply because they believe that keeping their daughter in the news gives the best chance of finding her.
The comments on their clothes and demeanour seem to me most inappropriate. Should there not be a "first do no harm" ethic in journalism, as in medicine? This is a story of continuing human suffering, not a press opportunity. I would expect better of The Irish Times than to be down there flapping around with the vultures. - Yours, etc,
MAIRIDE WOODS,
Del Val Avenue,
Sutton,
Dublin 13.
Madam, - After reading Ann Marie Hourihane's article I am still struggling to understand what point she was actually trying to make. Was her issue with the media or with the McCanns - and did she need to resort to hurtful, unnecessary comments about the McCanns? The Irish Times has chosen since this story unfolded to report the facts and stay clear of pointless opinion, with which the tabloids have saturated any sane person's mind.
This piece was at the very least insensitive. Her description of Kate McCann's "honed six pack" and the fact that she was photographed jogging was a new low. I actually see a woman who looks emaciated by worry and if a jog on a beach is helping her to survive this unthinkable ordeal then it should be free from comment by any serious journalist. - Yours, etc,
NIAMH O'CONNOR,
Brighton Gardens,
Dublin 6.